How to Make & Use Hibiscus Powder (DIY + Recipes)

What is Hibiscus Powder?

Hibiscus powder is made by grinding dried hibiscus petals into a vibrant magenta powder. With its tart, floral flavor and stunning color, it’s a beautiful addition to both your pantry and your potion shelf.

You can use hibiscus powder in everything from herbal teas and infused salts to bath soaks, glazes, and mocktails.

Print

How to Make Hibiscus Powder from Dried Flowers

Equipment

• Spice grinder, coffee grinder, high-speed blender, or mortar & pestle
• Fine mesh sieve (optional but helpful)

Materials

• Dried hibiscus flowers (whole or broken)

Instructions

1. Dry check:

• If your hibiscus petals feel soft or flexible at all, spread them on a baking sheet and dry them in a low oven (around 1705-200°F) for 10-15 minutes until they're completely crisp and brittle.

2. Grind

• Use a spice grinder or coffee grinder to blitz the dried petals in small batches. Pulse until you get a fine powder.
• If you're using a mortar & pestle, it works – just expect more effort and a slightly coarser result.

3. Sift (optional)

• For a smoother, more delicate powder, sift through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger bits. You can re-grind the coarse leftovers if you like.

4. Store

• Keep your hibiscus powder in an airtight jar away from light and heat to preserve its color and tartness.

Sweet & Tart

• Hibiscus Sugar
  • Mix with granulated sugar for a vibrant pink finishing sugar. Great on cookies, shortbread, or mocktail rims
• Hibiscus Simple Syrup
  • Steep the powder in hot water, strain, and mix with sugar for a gorgeous pink syrup – perfect for mocktails, iced tea, or lemonade
• Baked Goods & Glazes
  • Stir a bit into a vanilla cake batter, shortbread dough, or icing for a natural pink hue and citrusy-tart bite
  • Combine with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a hibiscus glaze
• Yogurt or Oatmeal Swirl
  • Sprinkle a pinch over Greek yogurt, smoothie bowls, or overnight oats for color and flavor

Savory & Magical

• Hibiscus Citrus Salt
  • Combine with coarse salt and lime zest for a salt that glows
• Chili Lime Hibiscus Salt
  • Add to smoky blends for color and floral contrast
• Hibiscus Rub
  • Mix with coriander and salt for a unique meat or tofu rub

Drinks & Mocktails

• Pink Moon Fizz
  • A sparkling mocktail made with hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and club soda
• Herbal Tea Dust
  • Stir into herbal tea blends (especially with mint, rose, or citrus peels) or use as a “dusting” garnish over a whipped tea latte
• Glass Rimmer
  • Sweet or salty, it makes any drink feel enchanted

Beyond the Kitchen

• Botanical Bath Soak
  • Add to Epsom salts with dried rose or lavender
• Natural Dye
  • Use to tint icing, DIY lip balm, or art projects

Try This Recipe

Raspberry Citrus Salt (coming soon)

Final Thoughts

Hibiscus powder is more than just beautiful – it’s delicious, fragrant, and flexible. Whether you’re making mocktails (like I am!) or magical salts (also me!!), it adds a floral sparkle to anything it touches.